Between my studies and my part-time job, I'd been tackling one thing after another, and before I knew it, Valentine's Day was just around the corner.
Today was Friday, with Valentine's falling on Saturday this year. Still, it seemed some people were handing out their gifts a day early. I spotted a few girls carrying beautifully designed paper bags, separate from their usual school bags.
And, as it happened, one of them was in my group of friends.
"Here you go, Class Rep. It's just some value peanut chocolate from the supermarket, but you can have it if you want."
"Thanks. More importantly, Nitta-san, you ended up giving some to everyone in class, huh?"
"Well, we've been classmates for almost a year, so I figured I should at least do this much. Oh, and don't hold back on the return gift. I'm expecting something expensive."
"Got it. In that case, I'll get you a single value biscuit."
There was no point in holding onto it, so I tore open the wrapper and popped the chocolate into my mouth right then and there. The sweetness of the milk and the unique aroma of chocolate melted and spread across my tongue. I hadn't eaten anything like this in a while, but having it once in a blue moon, even the cheap stuff tasted pretty good.
"Ehehe, Umi and I are making our share with Nina-chi tomorrow, so look forward to it, okay? It's been two years since I've done something like this, so I'm really, really excited! Right, Umi?"
"Y-You don't have to drag me into it, I know…"
She had come to pick me up this morning, so we'd been together all day, but Umi had been fidgety and restless the whole time. She'd been paying unusual attention to things like the Valentine's Day specials on TV.
"Umi, have you still not decided what to make?"
"Yeah… I don't think it'll turn out well if I try something too complicated, so I was thinking of making something simple, but…"
"It's your first Valentine's Day with Maki-kun, so you want him to say it's delicious, don't you? Isn't that right, Umi?"
"That's true, but… i-is that wrong?"
"Nope, not at all. In fact, I think you're super cute right now, Umi. Hey, Maki-kun, you think so too, right?"
"Well… yeah."
Personally, I'd be happy with anything she gave me. Even if it was something simple, I was sure I'd enjoy it if Umi made it. Of course, that wouldn't change if she worked hard to make something elaborate, and in that case, I wanted to show my appreciation for her efforts.
Either way, I was really looking forward to tomorrow.
The next day, Saturday, was Valentine's Day.
I'd been waiting restlessly all morning for a message from Umi.
As I'd heard, she was currently at Amami-san's house with Nitta-san, and the three of them were in the middle of making chocolates for everyone. Whether they were making one big batch together or each making something different was a secret. For some reason, though, we were all supposed to eat whatever they made at my place, so I at least had to get some drinks ready.
That just meant preparing coffee, tea, and maybe some green tea, just in case. I figured I should probably open new containers of milk and sugar, too.
And with that, my duties as the host were over in a flash.
"…I'm bored."
After tidying up the table and kitchen, I zoned out on the living room sofa, opened the messaging app on my phone, and scrolled back through a conversation we'd had a little while ago. I enjoy making pointless small talk face-to-face, but I also like rereading our texts every now and then.
The only drawback is that doing this almost always makes me remember how much fun I was having and grin like an idiot, so it's too embarrassing to do unless I'm alone like this.
(Asanagi) Morning
(Maehara) Morning
(Maehara) It's just past 8. Are you already getting started?
(Asanagi) Yep. I'm already at Yuu's place.
(Asanagi) We're planning to go buy the ingredients we're missing at 9.
(Maehara) I see. So, have you decided what you're making?
(Asanagi) Uh-huh. I got a flash of inspiration while playing that game with you yesterday, Maki.
(Asanagi) And decided to go with that.
(Maehara) The game we played yesterday was a horror game… what kind of menu gets inspired by that?
(Asanagi) It's not related to the game. It just came to me then.
(Asanagi) Well, it's still a secret from you, Maki.
(Asanagi) I'll bring it over when it's done, so you'll have to wait and see.
(Maehara) I wonder if it'll be okay…
(Maehara) Well, I'll get some hot drinks ready and wait for you.
(Asanagi) Okay. In that case, I'll have mine with extra milk and sugar, please.
(Maehara) …With chocolate?
(Asanagi) Yep. With chocolate.
(Asanagi) I think I can be there around noon, so just wait a little longer, okay?
(Asanagi) I'll show off my skills for you, Maki, since you're working so hard with your job and studies.
(Maehara) Mmm. Roger that.
Recently, you could buy chocolates with high cacao content and a strong bitter taste, so maybe she was planning on making something like that. We're still high school kids, but sometimes we want to act a little more grown-up.
"Hm…?"
Just as I was craning my neck, waiting for her to arrive as she'd instructed, I suddenly got a call from a certain someone.
[Nakata Emi]
I had exchanged contact info with my senpai on my first day of work, but this was the first time she'd actually called me. I was pretty sure Emi-senpai was supposed to be working this morning. Did I screw something up at work? The thought sent a jolt of anxiety through me as I immediately tapped the call button.
"Hello."
"Whoa, answering on the first ring! Impressive, impressive. As expected of my kouhai."
"My phone just happened to be nearby… Anyway, is something wrong?"
"Hm? Not really. I'm on my break right now and felt bored, so I just thought I'd give you a call… No, no, just kidding, just kidding! Don't give me that silent 'what's with this annoying girl…' reaction."
"Jeez… Well, I was bored too, so I don't really mind."
Apparently, there was some paperwork to submit to the parent company that runs the shop, and there were a few things she wanted to confirm regarding my section as a new part-timer. I relayed my address and emergency contact information to Emi-senpai, who had called on behalf of our busy manager.
"By the way, today's 'that day,' so is my kouhai Maki going on a date with that cute, worrywart girlfriend of his?"
"I'd like to, but I'm a little short on cash… and my paycheck doesn't come in until next month."
The pay at my part-time job was calculated at the end of the month and paid on the 20th of the following month, so my first paycheck for starting in February wouldn't arrive until right before spring break. I'd started this job to save up for Umi's present in the first place, so it wasn't a problem, but until then, I had to make do with the little bit of New Year's money and allowance I had left.
"Senpai, if you have a moment, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Hm? What's up? Of course, I don't mind at all. My date of birth, address, my three sizes, even my private account for ranting about my personal life—I'll tell you anything you want to know."
"I'll pass on all of that."
"Ehh? Jeez, Maki, you're so serious, as always~ Well, I guess that part of you is cute too, so it's not so bad. So, what is it?"
"Yes. Well… I was just a little curious about how you usually spend Valentine's Day, senpai."
I'd only just started working with her, so I didn't know Emi-senpai very well yet, but with her good looks and bright personality, I was sure she was a lot more experienced than we were. How people spent their Valentine's was up to them, of course, but I wanted to get a senpai's opinion as a woman for reference.
"Me? Hmm, I wonder… Until last year, I had my fair share of relationships, so every year I'd make something for someone, we'd go on a date or out to eat, and if the mood was right afterward, we'd even… you know."
"Pfft…!"
I'd thought she was a pretty straightforward person, but hearing her say it so bluntly still caught me off guard.
"Y-You're very direct, aren't you?"
"Haha, sorry, sorry. Maybe I went a little too far. But if you're in a relationship, you're going to have those opportunities. In that case, it's better to be mentally prepared, right?"
"That's… true, I guess."
It hadn't even been two months since we started dating, so I thought that kind of thing was still a long way off, but since we're a couple, you never knew what might happen. There was Valentine's today, White Day next month, and then Umi's birthday the month after that. Things could get sweeter, and while we're fooling around, it wasn't impossible that we'd end up in what Emi-senpai called 'a good mood.'
For now, just being close to Umi was enough to satisfy me, but as I get used to it, I'm sure I'll start wanting 'more and more'—a deeper connection.
"Well, it's ultimately up to you and Umi-chan what you do… but if the mood does strike, make sure the guy is the one to initiate it. At least, that way, it's less embarrassing for the girl. That's what I think, anyway."
"…I see."
When we fool around, it's usually Umi who comes to me, and she seems to enjoy it. But when the time comes, I need to make my intentions clear so that she isn't the only one feeling embarrassed. Is that what she meant?
Today, it wasn't just Umi; Amami-san and Nitta-san were here too, so I was sure both of us would restrain ourselves. But that might not be the case next month and beyond. I think Emi-senpai's advice will be a good reference for the future. I had asked her on a whim, but I was glad I did.
"Alright, my break's almost over, so I'm heading back. If you get hungry in the middle of the act, give me a call anytime. I'll give you some special toppings, just for my kouhai-kun who's climbed one step up the ladder of adulthood."
"I don't quite understand what you're saying, senpai, but thanks for the offer for when I order."
I hung up the call from Emi-senpai and flopped back down on the sofa.
"But, yeah… we're a couple, so of course we'd do that sort of thing."
What I'd only been vaguely thinking about before now felt like it had taken on a clear shape after that conversation. It wasn't all the time, but I did see Umi in a perverted way. That was an undeniable fact. Umi is cute, she has a great figure, she only shows her defenseless side in front of me, and she's very touchy-feely. As a guy, my gaze often wanders to risky places, and when I'm alone, I sometimes have indecent fantasies.
I wonder what Umi thinks about… doing that sort of thing with me.
Will she go with the flow? Does she have a certain timing in mind? Or is she resistant to the act itself?
No, before that.
"I'm being pretty creepy right now…"
I was the one who brought up the unnecessary topic with Emi-senpai, so I had only myself to blame. But when I have too much time alone, I tend to get lost in these kinds of angsty thoughts.
That's just how much I've come to love Umi, it seems.
"…Still, Umi's late."
Between talking to Emi-senpai and wallowing in my thoughts on the sofa, it had already become noon, but I still hadn't heard a thing from her. Maybe she was making something more elaborate than I thought, but even so, it felt like it was taking too long.
The moment I thought that, the long-awaited doorbell rang.
I immediately sat up from the sofa and pressed the call button, expecting to see her face on the intercom monitor.
"Oh, hey, Maki-kun. Hello."
"Sup. Like I said, I brought you your share of the chocolates, Class Rep."
"Yeah, thanks… Um, more importantly, is it just the two of you there right now?"
On the screen were Amami-san, wearing a fluffy, warm-looking hat, and Nitta-san, with her hair tied to the side with a scrunchie of a different design than usual.
"Yeah. We were actually planning on coming with Umi, but…"
"She said she wasn't satisfied with how your portion turned out, so she told us to go on ahead. She probably took the ingredients back to her place and is still working on it, don't you think?"
"I see… Well, come on in for now."
I'd get the details from them in a bit, but it seemed the ever-so-serious Umi was struggling to clear the hurdle she had set for herself. I quickly opened my phone and sent her a message.
A reply came back right away.
(Maehara) Umi, are you okay?
(Asanagi) Did Yuu and Nina already get there?
(Maehara) Yeah. They're just coming in now.
(Maehara) What you're making is… a surprise, was it?
(Asanagi) Yeah. Well, it's nothing special, though.
(Asanagi) Anyway, just wait a little longer.
(Maehara) I see. Got it. But don't push yourself too hard, okay?
(Asanagi) Yeah, I'm fine.
(Asanagi) For now, just hang out with Yuu and the others. I'll be there soon.
(Maehara) Roger, I'll be waiting.
From our exchange, she seemed to be fine, so I decided to kill time by relaxing and snacking on the chocolates Amami-san and the others had brought until Umi arrived.
"Excuse us~ Ehehe, between the cultural festival and the final exam study session, I feel like I've been indebted to your place quite a bit, Maki-kun."
"Oh, really? This is actually my first time at your place, Class Rep… Hmm, it's pretty tidy. You have a lot of stuff, but it's not cluttered."
I invited Amami-san, who headed straight for the kotatsu, and Nitta-san, who shamelessly observed the room, into the living room and served them the drinks I had prepared. Amami-san had tea, while Nitta-san and I had coffee. Amami-san loves sweets, so no matter what the snack was, she would dump a ridiculous amount of milk and sugar into her cup.
"Maki-kun, once again, Happy Valentine's! Here, the chocolates the three of us made today, as promised."
"Thank you. Um… can I open it?"
"Mhm!"
I opened the properly wrapped bag and found round, bite-sized chocolates inside. Truffles, I believe they were called. They were coated with cocoa powder, and when I put one in my mouth, the slight bitterness gave way to a sweet, rich, raw chocolate ganache that melted on my tongue.
"My mom and Nina-chi helped with most of it, but… how is it? Is it good?"
"…Yeah. I don't eat this kind of thing very often, but now that I've tried it, it's actually really delicious. I drink a lot of coffee, so I think it goes well with that, too."
"Really? I'm so glad~ We ate ours in a flash, saying how delicious it was, but I wasn't sure if it would suit your taste, Maki-kun. Nina-chi, thank you so much for your help."
"Nah, I've been reluctantly making these every year, so I've gotten used to it. It's cheaper than buying the fancy ones they sell in department stores, and it feels more like a 'true love' gift, so they're more appreciated. It's a win-win. I had plans this year too, but… damn, that jerk is seriously…"
Leaving Nitta-san to stew in her curses after randomly recalling an unpleasant event, I decided to ask Amami-san about Umi. The chocolate I had just received, as she said, was made with the cooperation of all three of them (mainly Nitta-san), so Umi's hands were definitely involved. Then, after they all had a taste, she started making something else to give to me… and that's how we ended up in this situation.
"I told Umi, 'Since we're here together, we'll help you,' but she told me, 'This is something I really want to do by myself.'"
"Yup. When Asanagi decides 'this is how it's going to be,' she doesn't budge. She's stubborn. She didn't seem to notice it herself, but her eyes were seriously in 'maiden in love' mode, so both Yuu-chin and I gave up, thinking, 'Ah, this is impossible.'"
She was probably being considerate of me in her message, so I didn't get a sense of how serious this was, but considering what the two of them said, it seemed she was trying harder than I thought. The fact that Umi was being so stubborn was proof, more than anything, that she felt this day was very important to her. Of course, I was happy about that, but at the same time, it felt… not like her.
Since we started dating, Umi had been spending a lot of time with me, but that didn't mean she was neglecting her good friends like Amami-san and Nitta-san. Even today, despite being in a situation where she would be forgiven for spending the whole day alone with me, she didn't do that and was cherishing her time with her friends. That's why I got a very incongruous impression when she told them to 'go on ahead' and refused their help to immerse herself in her own work.
And the one who made Umi do that was probably me.
As I let these thoughts churn in my head, a bad feeling suddenly crossed my mind. What came to mind was a message she had sent me a little while ago.
(Asanagi) I'll show off my skills for you, Maki, since you're working so hard with your job and studies.
I felt like I could catch a glimpse of Umi's true feelings hiding in those words.
"…Huh?"
Me, who wants Umi to relax and be her usual self without trying too hard, and Umi, who is trying her best for my sake.
"? Maki-kun, what's wrong? You're making a serious face…"
"Ah, no, it's nothing…"
…It feels like we're somehow slightly out of sync.
I'm aware that when I'm alone and thinking too much like this, I tend to fall into negative thought patterns, and most of my worries end up being unfounded. However, once a possibility pops into my head, it's hard to shake it.
Amami-san and the others weren't particularly worried, saying, "Umi's a maiden in love right now, so it can't be helped." The right thing to do would be for me to agree and not think too deeply about it.
But it's not good for such trivial, insignificant things to pile up.
Because I've seen up close people who let those things pile up and ended up breaking in the end.
"──Why don't you try calling her?"
"Eh?"
When I looked up, Nitta-san had a somewhat exasperated expression on her face.
"You're worried about Asanagi, right? Then tell her that directly. You have your phone right there."
I had tried to put on a brave face, but my agitation must have shown, as Nitta-san immediately called me out on it.
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea too," Amami-san added. "I caught a glimpse of her before we left, and it looked like she was struggling because things weren't going well. If you let her hear the voice of the person she likes, Umi will surely cheer up right away. In fact, if you go see her on impulse, I'm sure Umi would be happy."
"You think so… I'll try calling her for now. I am worried."
It felt unsettling for the three of us to continue on without Umi, so I decided to call her as they suggested. After a longer ring than usual, I finally got through.
"──Maki? What's wrong? Are you worried because I'm not there yet?"
"Well, yeah. How's it going? Is it going well?"
"Ah, yeah. I had a little trouble, but it's almost done. So, I think I can bring it over soon."
"It's almost done… I see. Well, that's good, but…"
When I looked over at the two of them listening in, Amami-san showed me her phone screen.
(Amami) She's been in like that since this morning. And she's been remaking it over and over.
(Amami) …I was hesitant to say this, but
(Amami) When she stepped out to go to the restroom, I heard her say to herself, 'I have to work hard too.'
It seemed she was in a pretty stubborn mode after all. Because I'm working hard, she has to face her own weaknesses and work hard too, showing me what she can do well—is that what Umi was thinking? I know Umi is a hard worker, and I respect her for that, but at this point, I was worried she was pushing herself too hard.
"Maki? It's quiet over there, did Yuu and Nina already go home? I did warn them beforehand that I might be late, just in case…"
"No, they just both stepped out for a moment. They said they'll stay a little longer."
"I see. Well, I'd better catch up soon. I have to apologize to them too."
"Yeah."
There wasn't any particular change in Umi's tone… I think. But the call, which she usually answers within one ring, took a while, and right after it connected, I heard her clear her throat slightly. Maybe she was being careful not to make me worry.
"Hey, Umi,"
"Hm? What is it?"
"Um…"
At times like this, what were the right words to say?
'Keep it up.'
'I'm looking forward to it.'
If I was considering her feelings, it would be that.
'You don't have to push yourself.'
'Even if it doesn't turn out well, I won't mind.'
If I was conveying my current feelings after hearing the situation from Amami-san, it would be this.
'Hang in there' and 'Don't push yourself'──they were words that contradicted each other, which was why I was so troubled. I want to support Umi, who is trying her best. But I don't want to see her push herself too hard and corner herself more than necessary because of it.
How could I convey my feelings to her as she waited for my next words on the other side of the phone?
──In fact, if you go see her on impulse, I'm sure Umi would be happy.
At that moment, Amami-san's words from earlier suddenly crossed my mind.
"Umi, can I come over right now?"
"…Huh?"
By the time I realized it, I had already blurted it out on impulse.
"Right now? But I'm making chocolates… and what about the other two?"
"We've already eaten all the chocolate, so I'll apologize for us calling it a day. Amami-san, Nitta-san, I'm sorry, but is that okay?"
"It's fine~" their voices flew over in unison.
It seemed that reached Umi too, as I could faintly hear her muttering "Jeez…" from the other side of the phone.
"I'm sorry, Umi. I know I'll be in the way, but I still want to see you."
"That's… well, does it have to be right now?"
"…Yeah, sorry. I'm more of a lonely person than you think, Umi."
I realized I was shamelessly whining to my girlfriend in front of her friends, and I could feel my own cheeks flush with heat. But if I backed down here, I'd probably feel even more pathetic.
"Umi, that's how it is, so I'm coming over now."
"Eh… w-wait… ah, Mom's busy today too, so──'I'm free~, Maki-kun. Why don't you come over and play──' M-Mom, honestly!"
Apparently, Sora-san was listening nearby, so now Umi's excuse wouldn't work.
"Maki, you idiot," she muttered, in a voice just loud enough for only me to hear.
"…You can come, but you'll have to wait until the chocolate is finished."
"Yeah. Thank you, Umi."
"You're welcome… Well, I'll be waiting."
And with that, Umi quickly ended the call. She was probably blushing in front of Sora-san right now, too.
"Um, Amami-san, Nitta-san… so that's the situation. Is it alright if we part ways for today?"
"Nfufu, it's fine~ Honestly, Maki-kun, you're hopeless~"
"I don't have anything else to do either, so maybe I'll go home with Yuu-chin. Oh, and just so you know, you owe me next month, okay?"
"…Sorry, I'm in your debt."
First with Umi this morning, and now with me, the two of them were completely strung along by us lovebirds today. To see them off without a single sour face… what wonderful people they are. No matter how much they tease me, I'll have to meekly accept it for a while.
After the call, the three of us immediately left my apartment building together.
"Take care. Good luck, Maki-kun!"
"Class Rep, make her fall for you all over again~"
"Haha… Well, I'll do my best."
I thanked them for today and promised to give them a proper return gift on White Day, then I hurried over to the Asanagi residence. I lightly jogged the twenty-minute walk, arriving at their house in about ten minutes, where Sora-san, who happened to be gardening in the yard, greeted me.
"Welcome, Maki-kun. The room is tidy, so feel free to come on in."
"Yes. Excuse me."
I gave Sora-san a quick thank you and headed to the Asanagi's living room. In the kitchen, filled with a fragrant, sweet smell, Umi stood in her apron, waiting in front of the microwave for the chocolate she was making to finish.
"Umi."
"Welcome, Maki… The sofa over there is free, so have a seat. What would you like to drink?"
"I ran here, so I'm a little tired. I'll have water, then."
"You got it. I guess I'll take a break too."
Umi poured mineral water from the fridge into a clear glass and came over.
"Umi, um…"
"It's fine. I'm not mad."
With that, she sat down next to me, and just like at my place, she held my hand and pressed her body close to mine.
"…See?"
"Yeah. Thanks for indulging my selfishness, Umi."
I had basically forced my way in here, so I was prepared for her to be angry, and it wouldn't have been strange. But… Umi really is a much kinder girl than I am.
"I'm sorry, Maki. At first, I didn't intend to go this far, but… once I started, I couldn't seem to back down."
"…Can I ask what you're making now?"
"Yeah. Since the failures are on the table and all. It's, um, a gateau chocolat."
"I knew it."
A so-called chocolate cake. While you could find countless recipes for it, it was probably a difficult challenge for a beginner like Umi who wasn't great at cooking. Looking at the remains on the table, I could see where the batter hadn't baked well and lost its shape, or where parts of it were burnt black. While not inedible, the taste must've been unsuitable for serving to someone, let alone as a Valentine's gift.
Even for me, who occasionally bakes, cakes are inconsistent and I rarely make them. For Umi to make one by herself, without the help of Amami-san or Sora-san, it made sense that she'd go through this much trial and error.
"Hey, Maki. I'm not being myself right now, am I?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Ahaha, right. Of course you are…" Umi trailed off. "I knew you and Nina were worried, but I got stubborn. I was being selfish with Mom, too, taking over the kitchen all afternoon."
It was getting late, and Sora-san was probably anxious to start preparing dinner. Umi was well aware she was making everyone worry, but her desire to give me a present she could be truly satisfied with was stronger. It's just Valentine's Day—some might be exasperated by her fixation, but to Umi, it was a measure of just how much this day meant to her. However, time was running out.
"…Maki, this is the last one I'm baking," she said softly. "Will you taste it when it's done?"
"I don't mind at all… but are you okay with that, Umi?"
"Yeah." She offered a smile tinged with sadness. "It was a mistake to think a beginner like me could get it perfect on the first try. Sometimes you have to compromise."
She'd worked so hard and wanted to see it through, but she couldn't bear to worry Sora-san or me any further. True to form, Umi had calmly thought it over and reached her conclusion.
"…Alright," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "Well, it's a bit late, but let's have it for a snack. I'll help you, Umi."
"Okay. Thanks, Maki."
For now, we cleared away the debris of chocolate cake and leftover ingredients strewn across the table, returning the kitchen to Sora-san so she could start dinner.
"Maki, what do you want to drink with the cake?"
"You got milk? Coffee's fine too, but I've already had too much."
"Such a kid."
"You little…"
As we bantered, enjoying our private moment, the timer went off, signaling the cake was done.
"…So, Maki, what do you think?"
"It's a little… burnt, maybe? Yeah."
"I know, right…?" she sighed. "I followed the recipe down to the T, though."
The smell wasn't bad, and it was only burnt on the surface. If we scraped that part off, it would probably be delicious. But since Umi made it, I was going to eat it, burnt parts and all.
"Maki, um… H-Happy Valentine's?" she offered hesitantly.
"Ah, yeah. Well then, I'll dig in."
The moment I took a bite of the slice Umi had cut for me, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled my nose, followed by a gradually creeping bitterness. It didn't bother me much, but I could see how some people might not like it.
Umi, eating a piece alongside me, initially beamed, but her shoulders slumped as she apparently reached the same conclusion.
"…Umi, I like this."
"Ehehe, thanks," she said, a small smile returning. "But I'm still a little frustrated, so I guess this is homework for next time."
"Yeah. In that case, I'll join you again."
Today might not have gone perfectly, but gaining experience is the best part of baking. I hoped she would give it another shot, after taking a break and clearing her head.
Later, at Sora-san's invitation, I ended up staying for dinner. The menu tonight was curry, and Umi, who was learning to cook from Sora-san, had helped with the prep work. Little by little, she was making steady progress.
"…How is it? Good?"
"Yeah. It's curry, after all."
"So, want seconds?"
"…May I?"
"Ehehe, you betcha~" she chirped, then turned to her mother. "…Hey Mom, stop staring at us and eat before your food gets cold."
"Fufufu, okay~" Sora-san replied, her eyes twinkling.
Feeling the weight of her grinning gaze, Umi and I enjoyed our dinner as usual. I had seconds, and Umi even fed me a bite with an 'aah~'. Afterward, she packed me some of the extra curry. The chocolate alone had been a wonderful gift, but I'd received so much today that I was starting to feel a bit guilty.
"…Alright. Cleanup's done," Umi announced. "What's next? Games? A bath? Or should we turn in early?"
"Sounds like you're assuming I'm staying over… I should head home, even if it gets late."
"Oh, Maki-kun, you're leaving?" Sora-san chimed in. "…And I already prepared the futon in the guest room."
"Is it really okay for a mother and daughter to be so set on having me stay over…?"
I peeked into the guest room and, sure enough, saw a futon with a familiar pattern laid out. Normally, this is where one might hesitate, but after staying over for several days at the end of last year on my best behavior, it seemed to be a non-issue. Well, Sora-san and Umi were half-joking, so it all depended on me.
But before the question of my staying the night, there was still something left unfinished.
Glancing at Umi, who had completely regained her usual energy after spending some time with me, I decided to broach a topic with her mother.
"Sora-san, is it alright if I borrow the kitchen for a bit later?"
"? Yeah, I've already prepped for breakfast, so it shouldn't be a problem… If you're making something, shall I help?"
"No, for today, we want to do it ourselves… Umi and I. A continuation of what we were doing earlier."
"! …Maki, does that mean…"
"Yeah. I thought it'd be a waste not to use up the ingredients. There's still a little time left before the day is over."
It had gotten late, but now was the time to finally tell Umi my true feelings. She had decided that the gateau chocolat we'd eaten would be the last, but her expression told me she wasn't convinced. She called it homework for next time, but I was sure she wanted to settle it today.
I don't want her to push herself too hard.
But I also want to support her when she tries her best.
Closer to her than anyone else.
"This is going to be my selfish request, but… Umi, I want you to make chocolate for me one last time. I want to try it. Not a compromise, but a chocolate that you're truly satisfied with, one you can confidently give me."
"If you're going that far, I don't mind, but… it might turn out even worse than before, you know? I've eaten, and my concentration has waned."
"Even if that happens, if you made it, I'll eat it all and say it's delicious. It might be a bit much for dessert… but I can just exercise later to make up for it."
Memories aren't always sweet, but this was our first Valentine's Day as a couple. I wanted the day to end not bittersweetly, but with pure sweetness.
"…So, do your best, Umi. I'll apologize to Amami-san and Nitta-san with you for today, and I'll take a good scolding from Sora-san later."
Don't push yourself, but do your best.
I knew it was a contradiction, that I was saying convenient, cherry-picked things. That's why I'd decided to at least worry alongside her. That's why I'd made an unreasonable request to both Umi and Sora-san and imposed on them today.
"Oh my, such youthful passion, Maki-kun…" Sora-san said with a knowing smile. "Umi, that's what he's saying. What will you do? I'm fine either way, you know?"
"…Y-You don't even have to ask. It's obvious." Muttering, "Maki, you idiot," Umi stood up and slipped on the apron hanging on a chair. Her expression turned serious again as she tied her hair back.
"Alright, if you're going to say that, then I'll use all the remaining ingredients and make you one big one. As promised, you'd better be ready to accept my feelings, okay?"
"Yeah. Thank you, Umi. That's my girlfriend."
"That's right. Honestly, you're such a hopeless boyfriend."
Despite her exasperated tone, Umi's cheeks relaxed into a happy smile as she deftly began her preparations. Just as I thought, I love seeing Umi's face light up with determination when she works hard for someone.
"Maki, I don't need any advice, so just watch TV and relax. You too, of course Mom."
After shooing us out of the kitchen, Umi opened the sticky-note-covered recipe book on the microwave and started baking again.
"Umm, I think this is where I gradually add this to the bowl… Ngh, sho."
Watching from the beginning, her movements still looked somewhat clumsy. I had to fight the urge to offer advice, holding myself back and instead focusing on the serious gaze in Umi's eyes as she worked on the batter.
…Do your best, Umi.
Muttering that in my heart, I decided to wait patiently with Sora-san for the finished product.
"The batter should be light, without too much force… Okay, this should do it."
She followed the recipe faithfully, preparing the batter according to the measurements without any strange improvisations. She poured it into the heart-shaped mold she had bought beforehand and placed it in the preheated oven.
"──Ah, I'm starving… Mom, it's a bit late, but can I have some dinner… Hey, Umi, what are you doing over there?"
"Sorry, Bro, I'm a little busy right now. Go talk with Mom or Maki."
"Now, now, Riku," Sora-san chided gently. "You shouldn't bother Umi when she's focused."
"Excuse me, Riku-san. I'm intruding," I said, getting up. "I'll sit at the table, so please, have this seat."
"? O-Oh…"
We passed the time chatting with Riku-san, who had missed dinner because he was napping or playing games in his room. All told, including making the batter and baking, it took about an hour and a half.
The moment Umi opened the oven, a cloud of fluffy steam, along with the sweet scent of chocolate, wafted through the room.
"…It's not undercooked, and the surface looks good… Alright, how's this?"
I peered at the finished product with Umi. The inside was moist and the outside was crispy, with no signs of being burnt. After letting it cool, she removed it from the mold and added cream for extra sweetness. It took a long time, but it was finally complete.
We had started after dinner, so it was practically midnight, but the clock hadn't struck twelve yet. Valentine's Day wasn't over.
"Sorry for the wait, Maki. This time for real, Happy Valentine's."
"Yeah. Thank you, Umi. I'm going to enjoy this. And of course, I'll give you my honest opinion."
With Sora-san and Umi watching me (Riku-san had eaten his curry and quickly returned to his room), I put my fork into the heart-shaped gateau chocolat on the plate and took a bite.
"…Maki, how is it? Is it good?"
"…"
To give a proper critique, I chewed slowly, took a sip of the hot milk she had also prepared, and then delivered my honest first impression.
"…It's delicious. It's very sweet, just the way I like it."
Compared to the bitter one from before, this one was like eating milk chocolate. It lacked the so-called "adult taste" of a slight bitterness that lingers on the tongue, as described in the recipe book, but it was smooth, and the cake wasn't dry or heavy. If I had made the same thing and it turned out like this, I would have been eating it triumphantly thinking, 'I actually did it right today.'
"Maki-kun, may I have some too?" Sora-san asked.
"No fair, Mom! Maki, me too!" Umi chimed in.
"Yeah. This is too much dessert for one person, so let's all share."
I cut the remaining portion into equal pieces, and Umi and Sora-san each took a bite. Their expressions said it all.
"Oh, this is really delicious."
"It is… I couldn't get it right at all before. It's like all those failures were a lie…"
When an amateur bakes, they can fail even while following the recipe to a T. But if you persevere, you'll eventually get a proper result. It wasn't that it turned out well because I was by her side, cheering her on. It was because she kept trying and didn't give up, even after failing since this morning.
"…Thank you, Maki. It took a while, but I kept my promise, right? Right?"
"Yeah. Your feelings came through loud and clear. Thank you, Umi."
"Yeah… I'm glad I tried just a little bit longer." Umi smiled, "ehehe," her eyes glistening faintly.
I was filled with gratitude for her, for working so hard for me all day.
"But we're up so late because of my selfishness… I'm sorry, Sora-san, for staying so late."
"It's alright. My husband is always away for work, so it's less lonely with you here, Maki-kun. A lively house makes us happy. Come over whenever you want."
"Yes. I'll thank you properly for today then."
Even though I'd shown up unannounced, she had welcomed me warmly, treated me to dinner (plus leftovers), and even dessert. It had been fun at the Asanagi house after almost a month, and part of me wanted to stay longer. But it was already midnight, and I couldn't impose any further. I felt bad for not using the futon laid out in the guest room, but I'll just go home for today—
"──No."
Just as I stood up to leave, Umi hugged me from behind. She pressed her face against my neck, a clear attempt to stop me.
"Um, Umi-san?"
"…"
"I have to go home soon. It's bedtime, you know."
"…"
With her still clinging to me, I tried to persuade her, but instead of replying, she just tightened her arms. Breaking free was going to be a struggle.
"Oh my… I've thought this since the end of last year, but you become surprisingly clingy in front of Maki-kun, Umi. It's like you've reverted to your mischievous elementary school self."
"…"
Even when Sora-san pointed it out, Umi didn't say a word, just remained glued to my back. For a moment, I considered dragging her out of the house with me and took a step forward, but Umi followed me. It seemed less like she didn't want me to leave and more like she just wanted to be with me a little longer.
…Cute.
To be honest, I wanted to be with Umi longer too. If there weren't any restrictions, I wouldn't have minded taking her home with me… but with Sora-san here, I was at a loss.
"Umi, you're troubling Maki-kun, you know?" Sora-san said gently.
"…I know, but…"
Her grip was loosening, but she was rubbing her face against me like an affectionate cat. If anything, her clinginess was increasing. When she was like this, I couldn't bring myself to push her away.
And it was my fault we were up this late, for selfishly asking her to make chocolate. Maybe I should just be rude and ask one more time.
"…Sora-san, um."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I'm very sorry for being so selfish again, but… would it be alright if I stayed just a little longer? …Specifically, until tomorrow morning." I bowed my head deeply, almost prostrating myself, to get Sora-san's permission.
I was probably saying something I should be scolded for, and I'd have to give her an extra thank-you gift later, but I also wanted to be by Umi's side longer. With her sudden clinginess, I didn't want to leave either.
"Oh my, this is becoming a regular thing at our house. You two are a real handful when you're together… Of course I trust you both, but I can't say for sure that nothing will happen if you sleep together."
When I'd stayed over before, I'd been sick and lacked the energy to do anything, so she hadn't said anything about Umi's constant nursing. But now that I was a healthy high school boy, she was understandably concerned.
"In that case, we'll sleep in separate rooms tonight. Even if Umi sneaks into my room in the middle of the night, I won't sleep with her."
"I-I wouldn't do a night raid… I-I might lay my futon next to yours, and I might… reach out and hold your hand… maybe."
"Umi, that's not allowed either."
"I-I know that. …Maki, you idiot. You're mean."
Even as she said that, she was still clinging to me, which I found incredibly endearing. I guess this is what they call being weak for the one you love.
"…So, please. I'll go home first thing in the morning, and I'll contact my mom if necessary."
"P-Please, from me too. I want to be with Maki just a little longer," Umi added, her voice muffled by my back.
This time, we pleaded together. If this didn't work, I'd have to give up and go home. But if she gave us permission, I wanted to prove to Sora-san, and by extension, Daichi-san, that we could keep our promise. That Umi and I weren't just a foolishly in-love couple; we could also exercise restraint.
"──For now, both of you, raise your heads. You don't have to go that far. I'd like to think I know you two are in a serious relationship."
"Then──Ouch…!"
"Ngh… M-Mom, what was that for!?"
The moment we raised our heads, a sharp pain shot through the center of our foreheads with a thwack! When I looked up, Sora-san had just flicked both of us on the forehead.
The original, authentic Asanagi family forehead flick (?).
"For now, I'll give you special permission this one time. But Maki-kun, and you too, Umi, if you want to have a sleepover in the future, let me know in advance. That way, I can prepare properly and welcome you."
"…Yes. Thank you very much."
Umi was her daughter, but to Sora-san, I was still 'someone else's child'. If she was going to have me over, she had to talk to my guardian—my mom—and get her proper consent. Even for just one night, or more precisely, a few hours until morning, it would be too late if something happened. So as an adult, Sora-san had shown reluctance. But considering the circumstances of Valentine's Day, she had given us a special pass. I had to be properly grateful for that.
A girlfriend who cared about me, and an adult who watched over us from a distance. I really felt blessed.
"Alright, now that that's settled, it's late. You two, hurry up and take a bath. Oh, and not together, of course. Separately."
"…W-We wouldn't take a bath together. …I mean, …we might… together… but not… yet, or something," Umi mumbled.
"Hm? Umi, did you say something just now? Mom thought she heard something she couldn't just ignore."
"~! I-I didn't say anything! Mom, you're an idiot. Go away!"
"Oh my, you don't have to be so embarrassed~"
I'd heard it the same thing Sora-san had, so I didn't think it was an auditory hallucination. But if we pushed this any further, Umi would sulk and refuse to come out of her room, so I decided to take her side.
── Umi had definitely not said that they might take a bath 'together' in the future, 'but' 'not' yet.
For now, that's what we were going with.
I borrowed pajamas from Riku-san, just like last time. As the guest, I got to use the bath first. It had been a while since I'd used the Asanagi's bathroom. Even soaking up to my shoulders in the tub, I couldn't quite relax.
The bathroom and bathtub were more spacious than mine at home. There was the scent of the bath bomb Sora-san had put in, and the neatly arranged shampoo, conditioner, and skincare products next to the mirror—a clear departure from my own bathroom, where only shampoo and body soap were carelessly placed. I leaned against the tub, stared blankly at the ceiling light, and slowly exhaled.
"I said it in the heat of the moment, but that was a really unreasonable thing to ask, wasn't it…"
If I'd had a little more time, I might have been able to calm down the clingy Umi. But we'd spent so much time on the baking, so even if I had persuaded her, it probably would have been past midnight. I was prepared to go home no matter how late it got if she'd told me to, but once I had a track record of staying over, it might have been difficult for Sora-san to kick me out in the middle of the night.
I was very happy that she trusted me and gave me special treatment, so I tended to get carried away… I had to make sure this didn't happen too often. I could be spoiled by Umi, but I shouldn't take her kindness for granted. For every time I'm spoiled, I'll fully accept her selfishness when she wants to be spoiled. And I would only indulge in her family's kindness after we'd spent more time together and deepened our relationship of trust.
To make sure I didn't smell of sweat, I washed away the day's grime and warmed my body thoroughly so I could sleep soundly.
About ten minutes later, I tidied up so the next person could use it comfortably and headed to the guest room. The futon I was supposed to sleep on was bulging. Someone… or rather, Umi, was hiding inside.
"…Umi, I'm out of the bath."
"Mm. Oh, I warmed up the futon for you, Maki."
"Thanks for that, but… we have to sleep in separate rooms today, remember?"
"I know, I know. But I want to talk a little before we go to sleep, so stay awake until I get out of the bath, okay?"
"Alright. But what if I fall asleep?"
"Hmm… well, I won't force you awake, but I'll be sad that we couldn't talk, so I might just end up sleeping with you."
"Then I'll do my best to stay awake."
"Please do. I take a long time in the bath, so you'll have to try hard."
"Come to think of it, you do. How long do you usually take?"
"Hmm, an hour?"
"Good night."
"Hey~"
Even though Sora-san was waiting to take the last bath, we couldn't help but fool around on the futon. I knew we should restrain ourselves, but it had been a while since I'd stayed over. It was still nice to have the person I loved by my side before going to sleep.
"…Ehehe, Maki, you smell like me."
"Well, I did use your family's shampoo. …Come on, you have to go soon, or Sora-san will get mad."
"Okay~"
Before Sora-san's smiling face as she observed us from the living room turned scary, I slipped into the futon, and Umi headed to the bathroom.
"──Maki-kun, do you have a moment?"
"Sora-san… Ah, yes, what is it?"
"I'm on the phone with my husband right now. He says he wants to talk to you."
"Ugh."
The fluffy feeling from our long-awaited sleepover was instantly brought back to reality. It was only natural for Sora-san to report today's events to Daichi-san. I should have been prepared.
…How do I prostrate myself over the phone?
I couldn't keep him waiting, so I took the smartphone from Sora-san and prepared for my first conversation with Daichi-san in a while.
"…Hello, is this Maki-kun?"
"Yes."
"I heard from my wife. …Well, I know what today is, and I can understand how you two feel, but…"
"…I am very sorry."
Just like with Sora-san, I received a firm warning. I promised to be careful in the future and to have dinner with him again when he next came home. With that, the matter was settled.
From there, I updated Daichi-san on what had been going on since the end of the year: my studies, my part-time job, and that I had officially started dating Umi. Just like the first time we spoke, he listened intently without saying a word as I spoke my honest feelings.
"…I see. In that case, keep up the good work. A serious and earnest person like you can do anything."
"I understand. …Um, thank you for listening."
"No, I've been worried about you ever since then. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Of course, I hope you'll make sure that energy doesn't go in the wrong direction."
"…I'll keep that in mind."
After somehow managing to return the phone to Sora-san, I collapsed face-first into the soft pillow, released from the tension. Having thoroughly experienced both the joy and hardship of spending a day with the girl I love, I slowly closed my eyelids… but didn't, and waited patiently for Umi to return from her long bath.
"Come to think of it, I have been up since early this morning…"
The night of my first Valentine's Day with my girlfriend was very sweet, but in the end, I was just plain sleepy.